19-year-old Emma González is fighting one of the most despicable crimes humanity is facing today. Gun violence has taken countless innocent lives, with the United States facing over 200 mass shootings just in 2019, which is unparalleled by any other country. Emma González survived the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, but she was left devastated and permanently scarred, leaving her determined to end gun violence.
Emma entered her school that February morning as she did on any other day. She didn’t know that her life was going to change in the next few hours. She was in the auditorium with dozens of other students when the fire alarm went off. She attempted to exit through the hallway, but was told to take cover and took refuge back in the auditorium, where she was held for two hours until police let students out. Nikolas Cruz, an expelled student, entered the school with a rifle, bought at the local Walmart, capable of firing 600 bullets a minute. 17 were killed, including Emma’s best friend. She left the school that Valentine’s day, without her best friend, but with a fire in her heart was ignited to prevent the injustice that she faced from happening ever again.
González gave a viral speech against gun violence, titled “We call B.S.” 3 days after the speech. She spoke up on the lack of action by politicians funded by the NRA (National Rifle Association). Her heartbreaking speech created awareness as student activism has spread across the world with increasing numbers of teenagers fight and stand up for what they believe in. Emma Gonzalez is one of the leading figures in the movement to end gun violence and make younger voices be heard.
González continued to be an outspoken activist on gun control, making high profile media appearances and helping organize the March for Our Lives. It took place in Washington, D.C. on March 24, 2018, with over 880 sibling events throughout the United States and around the world. Speaking at the demonstration, González led a moment of silence for the victims of the massacre; she stood on stage for six minutes, which was the length of the shooting spree itself.
Her actions led to the Florida Legislature passing a bill titled ‘The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act’ in March 2018. It implemented several necessary changes, such as raising the minimum age to buy guns to 21, implementing background checks. Her success was shown through the fact that the law allocates around $400 million for implementation. Rick Scott, the governor of Florida also said to the students. “You made your voices heard. You didn’t let up and you fought until there was change.”
Her time in the spotlight led her to create awareness on many issues that have been pushed under the rug before. Along with other students, she spoke at an internationally televised town hall hosted by CNN on February 21, 2018. They criticised the National Rifle Association (NRA) as well as politicians who accept money from it, as being complicit in the shootings, and stated that “you’re either funding the killers, or you’re standing with the children.” Her speech has already led to unprecedented activism and anger by those fighting for gun control. Her gun-control advocacy group Never Again MSD continues to fight for gun control.
TeenQueen. 